"Sea Vixen FAW2 XJ494 '121' "

by Brian Fare

Open Edition Pencil Print

A3 size (297 mm x 420 mm) white 300 gsm card.

Sea Vixen FAW2 XJ494 '121'

899 Naval Air Squadron

Royal Navy

A superbly detailed open edition litho print depicting

De Havilland Sea Vixen FAW.2 XJ494 '121'

899 Naval Air Squadron

HMS Eagle



XJ494 was built in 1959 and during her service life, she operated from various Royal Naval Air Stations and carriers including HMS Victorious, HMS Centaur and HMS Eagle. During her time aboard HMS Centaur, the aircraft was part of the fleet deployed to support the Tanganyika troubles in 1964 when the 1st and 2nd Tanganyika Rifles mutinied against the British officers and NCOs who, despite Tanganyika being independent, still commanded the regiment.

During her career, XJ494 was operated as a trials aircraft with both the A&EEE and the RAE (one of It's first trials was with the carriage of one of the first atomic weapon "RED BEARD" in this case an aerodynamic dummy test piece). An under nose camera mounting exists, in addition to a cable running down to the port boom, leading to possibly a transponder or beacon fairing on the tailfin. XJ494 also took part in Martel missile trials, with a (so far) unexplained Sea Gull marking carried on the cockpit framing.

XJ494 is depicted in this drawing with the markings she wore whilst serving with 899 Naval Air Squadron aboard HMS Eagle.

The aircraft is now based at Bruntingthorpe and is currently undergoing restoration to ground running and taxy status.